Designation: C531 − 00 (Reapproved 2012)
Standard Test Method for
Linear Shrinkage and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of
Chemical-Resistant Mortars, Grouts, Monolithic Surfacings,
and Polymer Concretes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C531; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the linear
shrinkage during setting and curing and the coefficient of
thermal expansion of chemical-resistant mortars, grouts, mono-
lithic surfacings, and polymer concretes.
1.2 A bar of square cross-section is cast to a prescribed
length in a mold that holds measuring studs that are captured in
the ends of the finished casting.
1.2.1 The change in length after curing is measured and
used to calculate shrinkage.
NOTE 1—Shrinkage determinations should not be made on sulfur
mortars, since this test method cannot truly reflect the overall linear
shrinkage of a sulfur mortar.
1.2.2 The change in length at a specific elevated temperature
is measured and used to calculate the coefficient of thermal
expansion.
1.3 This test method is limited to materials with aggregate
size of 0.25 in. (6 mm) or less.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C03 on
Chemical-Resistant Nonmetallic Materialsand is the direct responsibility of Sub-
committee C03.01 on Mortars and Carbon Brick.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2012. Published September 2012. Originally
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as C531 – 00 (2005).
DOI: 10.1520/C0531-00R12.
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2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C287 Specification for Chemical-Resistant Sulfur Mortar
C490 Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination of
Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and
Concrete
C904 Terminology Relating to Chemical-Resistant Nonme-
tallic Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
method, see Terminology C904.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method offers a means of comparing the
relative linear shrinkage and coefficient of thermal expansion.
4.1.1 The material to be tested is placed in the mold in a
fluid or plastic state. As the material makes a transition to a
solid state, it adheres to and captures the end studs.
4.1.2 The linear shrinkage measured is the change in length
that occurs after the material is rigid enough and strong enough
to move the studs.
4.2 This test method can be used for research purposes to
provide information on linear changes taking place in the test
materials. Other dimensional changes may occur that do not
manifest themselves as changes in length.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Weighing Equipment, shall be capable of weighing
materials or specimens to 60.3 % accuracy.
2
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contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
 C531 − 00 (2012)
5.2 Equipment for Mixing, consisting of a container of
suitable size preferably made of corrosion-resistant metal, or a
porcelain pan, and a sturdy spatula or trowel.
5.3 Specimen Mold, (see Practice C490) permitting the
molding of bars with a metal stud embedded in each end. The
bars shall be 1 in. (25 mm) square by 10 in. (250 mm) between
studs when molded. A standard 10-in. (250-mm) metal bar
shall be provided; this is used to space the studs.
5.4 Studs—Nickel alloy studs, which have linear coefficient
of thermal expansion of 7.2 × 10 −6 per °F (4 × 10− 6 per °C),
knurled on one end and threaded on the other (for securing in
end blocks), approximately 0.8 in. (20 mm) long. Remove any
machining burrs from the flat end of the stud.
5.5 Comparator—A direct-reading dial or digital microm-
eter to permit readings to 0.0001 in. (0.0025 mm).
5.6 Micrometers, one having a range suitable for measuring
the studs (0.8 in.), and one having a range suitable for
measuring the standard 10-in. (254-mm) bar, both readable to
0.0001 in. (0.0025 mm).
5.7 Constant-Temperature Oven—An oven capable of at-
taining temperatures to 210°F (99°C) is required. The oven
should be capable of maintaining a set temperature constant to
63°F (61.5°C).
6. Test Specimens
6.1 Temperature— The standard temperature of the product
constituents, mold apparatus, and the temperature in the
vicinity of the mixing operation shall be 73 6 4°F (23 6 2°C),
unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. The actual
temperature shall be recorded.
6.2 Number of Specimens—A minimum of four test bar
specimens shall be prepared for each material tested.
6.3 Preparation of Materials:
6.3.1 Mix the material in the proportions specified by the
manufacturer of the materials. If the proportions so specified
are by volume, weigh the constituents and report the corre-
sponding proportions by weight. Fresh material shall be used
and the manufacturer shall be consulted if the age of the
material is not known.
6.3.2 Mix a standard batch size of 2400 g of material and
prepare four 1-in. (25-mm) square by 10-in. (250-mm) (ap-
proximate) bars.
6.3.3 For sulfur mortars, prepare the samples in accordance
with the appropriate section of Specification C287.
6.4 Molding Test Specimens:
6.4.1 Lubricate the mold by applying a thin film of mold
release or lubricant like silicone stop-cock grease.
6.4.2 Measure the standard bar with a micrometer to
60.0001 in. (0.0025 mm).
6.4.3 Measure the lengths of the studs with a micrometer to
60.0001 in. (0.0025 mm).
6.4.4 In assembling the mold, the end blocks must move
freely in the mold before securing to the mold with machine
screws.
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6.4.5 Measure the measuring studs with micrometers and
carefully adjust in the end blocks by means of the standard bar
supplied with the mold.
6.4.6 Fill the molds with the material, taking care to
eliminate air pockets by working the material with a spatula or
thin trowel. Level the top surface with the spatula and strike off
the excess evenly. In the case of sulfur mortars, at least three
separate pourings shall be made.
6.4.7 After casting the specimens, remove the machine
screws holding the end blocks to permit free movement of the
blocks.
7. Conditioning
7.1 Resin and Sulfur Materials —Test specimens shall be
removed from molds only after an initial curing time deemed
suitable by the manufacturer.
7.2 Silica and Silicate Materials —Immediately after mold-
ing the specimens, cover the mold with polyethylene sheeting
or other suitable material to prevent rapid evaporation of
surface moisture and subsequent deformation of the specimen
bar. Disassemble the mold (deviations in the time mortars, etc.
are kept in the mold, are to be reported) as described in 7.1.
8. Procedure for Linear Shrinkage
8.1 Determine the length of the bar by inserting it in the
length comparator.
NOTE 2—In cases where shrinkage in the specimens is great enough that
comparator readings are no longer possible, insertion of a spacer (such as
a metal washer) under the bottom stud holder of the comparator will
enable readings to be made. When this is necessary, standard bar readings
will also change and proper adjustments in calculation must be made.
8.2 The frequency of shrinkage measurement depends on
the information desired; for example, if it is desired to follow
the shrinkage at room temperature, or at a specific temperature,
readings can be made as long as shrinkage continues. A typical
schedule is as follows: daily for 2 weeks at 73 6 4°F (23 6
2°C), then after 3 days at 210°F (99°C) or 140°F (60°C),
depending on the material (see 9.2). If the specimens are heated
to induce cure, cool overnight at 73°F (23°C) before measur-
ing.
8.2.1 Repeat heating and cooling cycles until the bars
achieve a constant length when measured at 73°F (23°C).
9. Procedure for Linear Coefficient of Thermal
Expansion
9.1 Use the specimens previously used for shrinkage deter-
minations. Heat the specimens to constant length in an oven at
the elevated temperature indicated in 9.2, then condition at
73°F for a minimum of 16 h.
9.2 Determine the length of each bar at 73°F by measuring
with the length comparator. Then place the bars in an oven
heated as follows: resin, silica, and silicate materials, 210°F
(100°C); and sulfur materials, 140°F (60°C).
9.3 After at least 16 h, remove the bars quickly one at a time
and measure (Note 3). Remove the bars at a rate that does not
permit the temperature of the oven to drop below the estab-
lished temperature. In the case of silicate materials, put the
 C531 − 00 (2012)
specimens into a desiccator for cooling immediately after the Y = length of stud expansion, in. (mm), = X × T × k (where
reading is taken at the elevated temperature. k is the linear coefficient of thermal expansion per °F
(°C) of the studs),
NOTE 3—Usually, the length can be read within 4 or 5 s after removal
from the oven. W = length of bar, including studs, at lower temperature, in.
(mm),
9.3.1 If the specimen does not return to its original length on T = temperature change, °F (°C) and
cooling to 73°F, shrinkage is still taking place, and the X = length of the two studs at lower temperature, in. (mm).
procedure in 9.1 and 9.2 shall be repeated.
11. Report
10. Calculation 11.1 Report the following information:
11.1.1 Manufacturer’s name of the material and generic
10.1 Shrinkage—Calculate the linear shrinkage for the four type,
specimens as follows: 11.1.2 Mixing ratio,
Percent shrinkage 5 @ ~ L 0 2 L ! /L 0 # 3 100 (1) 11.1.3 Conditioning procedure,
11.1.4 Test conditions, (temperature and humidity),
where:
11.1.5 Total duration of test in days, including heat cycles,
L 0 = original length (length of standard bar), in., (mm), and and
L = length as measured during or after cure, in. (mm), 11.1.6 Individual and averaged results of linear shrinkage
excluding studs. and coefficient of thermal expansion.
10.2 Linear Coeffıcient of Thermal Expansion—Calculate 12. Precision
the linear coefficient of thermal expansion per °F (°C), C, of the
12.1 The precision of this test method has not yet been
four specimens as follows:
established.
C 5 ~ Z 2 Y 2 W ! /T ~ W 2 X ! (2)
13. Keywords
where:
13.1 brick mortars; grouts; linear shrinkage; monolithic
Z = length of bar, including studs, at elevated temperature,
surfacings; mortars; polymer concretes; thermal expansion; tile
in. (mm),
grouts

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